Reset

This year is about to end and it sure did impart a lot of life lessons to me. Last year was about our growth as a family who loves to surf...but this one is about balance. Life cannot always be about just ONE thing. From the passing of loved ones, to Adam's masters, and then to an injury I chose to ignore which backfired at me....I can say we learned the hard way.

We got around to talking about it and we decided to trade in some surf weekends for life in the city to relax and unwind. As for me, I won't be doing any yoga, surfing or any type of exercise at present. I really need to listen to my body...which is telling me to give it a break. If you know me, I wouldn't let a day pass without exercise but I cannot afford to be hard-headed about this anymore. So I need to put up with it. The downside is: it's almost the holidays! Packed with parties and food everywhere, I sure will be ending the year a little pudgier. Yeah?

Adam, being the sweetest husband, booked us a stay at a nearby hotel. It just opened, but it was neat and we had a nice stay. Bean was the most excited about it (mostly because I told her they had a pool). We opted to stay in our room for most of the stay. We took naps, we read, played, watched TV, and we had an early dinner out.

Before putting the little miss to sleep, we played with her and told her stories. Then we had time to read, surf the net, and talk. I told Adam about how I really felt about *paragraph no. 2* and how I wanted to dedicate time to my art and learning calligraphy since I would be having time for it. I kind of regret not following through with my calligraphy since taking up a class last year...but here I am starting again with commitment.

One thing I commend about my husband is his support for the little and fickle dreams I have. One time I told him that I know the things I want to venture into are pointless...but he told me to pursue things not to earn money but to make myself happy. And I am so thankful for him everyday.

Bean and Adam had a very good sleep; while my thoughts kept me awake at 4AM. Not exactly good thoughts but I am slowly learning to set them aside and just find the joy in the smallest of things. We had a hearty breakfast and then went for a swim. Bean was keen to be swimming on her own but her fear is greater which made us decide to get her into swim classes next year; husband swam a few laps...to my dismay, my injured rib(s) also hurt when I swim. I did a few backstrokes for fun. We checked out early and then went to the mall to have lunch and do some Christmas shopping.

This was a very good weekend spent in the city and my favorite part was getting to have time to talk and relax with my loves. 2015 taught me how to stop and appreciate the small things in life and instead of trying to change the situation, I can always choose to change my perception. We hope you had a great weekend, too!

letting go and getting there

The days are passing slowly in contrast to the whirlwind of last year where almost all weekends were surf trips. We have been talking about it and as much as we like the line "surfing is everything," it really isn't so. My first priority, still, is being the best mother I could be. And I love it. I love it, so.

And although we are not taking care of a baby anymore, but raising a kid, it's still all sorts of fun. Most afternoons after school are spent doing art, playing, reading, baking...and other forms of creative play.

And I am very proud of my husband for providing us with this kind of life. Sometimes we know it seems as if surfing is on top of our priority list, it is not. It's still family and parenthood. Let me share a little bit of reality: I asked Adam if I could have a work desk in our home, nothing extravagant, just anywhere I can write and paint. When I still had a job online I was working on the floor, in the dining area or on the bed. But three years ago we were still figuring out how to budget his salary, so he told me we had to wait to get a desk. Three years later, he got me a simple desk and chair...and I am so happy and grateful! It took three years to get a desk but in those three years we were able to surf, go to a few yoga classes, go on trips to Hong Kong, Cambodia, Bali, and Singapore; we were able to meet all of Bean's needs...and some of our "wants."

In my previous post I wrote that I am taking a break from surfing because I have been disheartened somewhat...but reflecting on it...about the how simple life is if we choose not to complicate it...I am letting go.

"Sometimes what we learn

and who we become in the process of waiting

is even more important 

than what we are waiting for."

Just like those three years of waiting to get a desk. I will just enjoy my journey. I will surf for the fun of it, and take whatever comes my way. No more pressure. 

Lately in the City

It's summer...and the world seems to be flat. No surf...nothing; and life in the city made me reflect on some things in my life. It's not very breezy these past few weeks. Our grandmother is in the hospital, and of course, everybody is worried. As much as I/we crave to be by the sea.... our hearts tell us we need some time at home--to rest, to recover, to just be with family and friends. And so.....

I realized that Bean will be going to school this year. That means I get a few hours to myself which sounds nice...but then I get anxious thinking about it because it wouldn't be just me taking care of her and teaching her. What's great about this isn't really having a break from my girl, but knowing that school will feed her curious mind. She never stops asking questions and most of the time our conversations go like this:

"Mama, can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Hey, that's not a nice word, mama. And I said I have a question."

"Oh, sorry. What is it, Bean?" 

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

"Oh. I think your thinking about the sea."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you like the beach. I like the beach and sea creatures. Did you know that jellyfish can sting you? Then you need to go to the hospital to get yourself healed. But what do sperm whales eat?"

"You know about sperm whales?"

"Yes, mama! Even Orcas!"

So she knows a lot of things about the sea; not just the sea....even animals and how plants are powered by the sun. I think she's smart.

Another thing  I thought about is how to finish the artworks I'm planning to sell or use to start a business since the little miss quit all her naps. I have to get around to doing this!

I also want to be able to improve on my cooking skills and meal planning. Especially because I will be preparing Bean's lunchbox this year. I am excited about this but worried that she won't eat them. She is such a picky eater...so I am taking notes of her favorites.

Taking pictures, capturing moments-- I have been neglecting this side of me that loves documenting life. We have been too busy surfing and I really want to shift my focus on this. So that's another one for my list.

This blog. I would really like to write more in here; and I will be. I have reviewed the contents and noticed that I post about our surf trips mostly and I would like to strike a balance with the things that I place in this space; after all,our life is comprised of more than just the sea!

Two superficial things I also realized: 1. I haven't been taking care of myself in terms of the way I dress. It's always shorts, shirts, tank tops and flip flops! So me and dearest husband have been doing a bit of shopping to update our wardrobe. I couldn't even remember the last time we dressed up for a date! Lol. 2. I am so tempted to get rid of my hair again and sport a sort of pixie! I have done this last 2008 and then 2012...and right now I am pretty bored with my hair....but I am taking my time to think about this because I don't want to regret cutting my hair just because I am bored. Superficial.

Lastly, I have been contemplating on how to get to see my grandma more. I have a hard time finding someone to leave Bean with for a few hours so I can visit her more.

So these are the things in my head lately here in the city. Care to hare yours?